Where To Look For The Best Campground In Joshua Tree

December 28, 2016

Do not cancel your weekend campout because it is too hot! Just because of its desert ruggedness, Joshua Tree National Park has a particular beauty that one can get mesmerized. Don’t look so surprised when people want to head out and find the best campground in Joshua Tree.

Be ready and relish the warm weather if you’re planning to camp in the summer. As we reach record high temperature across the U.S., It’s likely an excellent time to review a few of the suggestions for hot weather Camping: During the winter season, cooler days are expected, and it could get chilly at night. So, ready your winter gear and tents for rain.

We’ll spill the details by giving you a hint of the nine campsites in the park and how to prepare camping on it. It’s up to you to choose the best campground in Joshua Tree.

1. Belle Campground

Starry nights are better viewed here. So, grab your folding chairs and stargaze all night long. The Belle Campground is accessible through three entrances, but the north entrance from Twenty Nine Palms is commonly used.

Here’s what you can find in Belle

Camping: Belle has 18 sites for camping, and it’s usually for tent camping since most of the area is small. Though RV’s are possible, you have to look for a wider area at Belle’s.

Amenities: Vault toilets are available, and so are picnic tables BBQ grills and fire ring.

Activities during the day: Hiking along the trail. Photography is also at its best since there are a lot of Joshua Trees nearby and magnificent rock formations.

Activities during the night: Stargazing silently is enough to entertain you. You might be amazed how clear it is since Belle is one of the darker areas in the campground.

Sights to see: Barker Dam, Skull Rock, and Arch Rock.

Rate per night: It’ll only cost you $15 to spend the night there.

2. Black Rock Campground

Expect a lot of greens here. The Black Rock Campground is excellent for a family campout and for those who are new to Camping: It’s a popular stop for people who joined the park’s programs like hiking, horseback riding and more.

Additionally, it’s one of the two campsites that can be reserved during winter seasons. Any inclement weather would require you for some tents for rain.

Here’s what you can find in Black Rock

Camping: There are 100 campgrounds in Black Rock. The area is much wider and therefore RV camping is much convenient there.

Activities during the day: Birding is available, and so are wildlife viewing and hiking. There are educational programs for kids and adults as well. Horse camp is available and at a rate of $15. Rock climbing is being offered as well.

Activities during the night: Stargazing for the whole group and wildlife viewing are the stuff to do. When the sun sets, you can hear the coyotes howl.

Sights to see: Scenic walks for the Hi-View Nature Trail, Eureka Peak, Panorama Loop and Warren Peak among others. Wildlife viewing will let you take a glimpse of over the lives of desert animals.

Rate per night: You can stay a night at Black Rock for $20.

3. Cottonwood Spring Campground

The area is an oasis as a result from an earthquake centuries ago. In history, Cahuilla Indians used the place as their home. They seem to have left a couple of clay pots and mortars for adventurers (okay, archaeologists) to find. Cottonwood used to be an area used to process gold as well.

Here’s what you can find in Cottonwood Spring.

Camping: It has 62 campsites, and like Black Rock Campground, it’s good for RV’s as the place is also quite extensive.

Amenities: The site has water and restrooms available for campers. Picnic tables and fire rings are offered as well.

Activities during the day: There are some trails in Cottonwood Spring, and you can glance upon some spectacular views. You can see the oasis, gold mills, and giant fan palms. The site is also where the best birding spot in the park. There are also ranger programs for you to join.

Activities during the night: Accede to the evening program and discover how Cahuilla Indians, animals or vegetation adapted and lived there for years.

Sights to see: Oases like the Lost Palms Oasis, Mastodon Peak, and Mine, Moorten’s Mill, and Winona Mill Site.

Rate per night: For you to stay here, it’ll cost you $20. However, if the number of your group reached 18, you’ll be allocated to three campsites and will pay $30.

4. Hidden Valley Campground

Hiking and rock climbing are best done in this area. Geographical formations are common here. Dry camping at Hidden Valley is at its finest. Though the area is small, the scenery outweighs it.

Here’s what you can find in Hidden Valley.

Camping: It has 39 campsites, and it’s mostly good for tent Camping: There’s a small RV ground area, but the RV must be 25′ or less to fit in the campsite.

Amenities: Similar to Belle, there are only vault toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ grills.

Activities during the day: It involves a lot of hiking, rock climbing, and photography.

Activities during the night: Enjoy the evening with stargazing and listening to the sounds of nature.

8. Jumbo Rocks Campground

Similarly to Ryan’s, Jumbo Rocks caters to larger RV’s. Oh, and it’s called Jumbo Rock because the campsite is nestled by huge rocks.

Here’s what you can find in Jumbo Rocks.

Camping: There are 125 campsites for tent camping and accommodating smaller and bigger RVs.

Amenities: Just the basic amenities of the park.

Activities during the day: Hiking and rock climbing.

Activities during the night: Recline in your folding chairs and do some stargazing.

Sights to see: Skull Rock Trail and Keys View.

Rate per night: Sleeping among the boulders will cost you $15.

9. Sheep Pass Campground

It’s a large campsite but not for RV’s though. Sheep Pass is only available for group Camping: The campsite is one those grounds surrounded by boulders.

Here’s what you can find in Sheep Pass.

Camping: Sheep Pass has six group campsites. Though the area is quite large, RV’s are not allowed.

Amenities: Just the basic amenities of the park.

Activities during the day: Hiking.

Activities during the night: Stargazing.

Sights to see: Ryan Hiking Trail, Keys View, and Barker Dam.

Rate per night: A night at Sheep Pass will cost you $15.

Final Thought

Have you chosen a spot? Which campground would you like to spend the night at?

Once you’re settled into camp, and you have your personal hydration in check, your tent for the right weather, and perhaps a canopy set up to get out from the sun, you’re pretty much ready to enjoy the campout. And during cold climates, it all boils down to preparing the best tent for rain, right?

All spots at Joshua Park are beautiful. You just have to choose the one that is right for you. Let us know what that is!

Hi buddy! I’m Louise. As a lover of the outdoors, crafting a blog about traveling and adventure is a bit of a stretch for me. I truly love to be outside, so getting in front of the computer takes me away from my passion. But, it’s important for me to share what I love so others can get out and appreciate the outdoors, too.

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